There has been much discussion recently with regards to Peter Whittingham’s role in the team and whether or not Cardiff would be better off without him. Statistical evidence suggests that he remains as instrumental as ever, but it’s a discussion that has been trotted out periodically during his decade at the club and probably won’t be the last time either.

With his contract expiring shortly, it was inevitable that the merits and inadequacies of Whittingham would be debated, but the real head-scratcher concerns how best to utilise Rickie Lambert.

Cardiff’s high-profile summer signing is warming the bench at present and as one of the biggest earners at the club, that is rather problematic.

It was telling that despite trailing against Bristol City at the weekend, Lambert was not summoned and Neil Warnock’s men turned the game around without him. Having struggled with niggling injuries during his time at the club, he has also only started one of the last six games, the FA Cup defeat against Fulham.

Lambert was very much Paul Trollope’s man and you wonder how Warnock views the former England international. The pace and work rate of Kenneth Zohore is favoured at present, which is understandable within such a static, one-paced side.

If you could merge Lambert and Zohore, you would have the prototype Championship striker.

Read More

Zohore is reminiscent of Cameron Jerome, who Cardiff once called upon to function as a one-man wrecking crew up front. Unfortunately, like Jerome, Zohore does not appear to possess the smarts of Lambert. A rookie talent, he may develop in to a more rounded player in time, but having seen Jerome in action for Norwich recently, he is evidence that evolution is by no means guaranteed.

The biggest obstacle to Lambert at present is the system favoured by Warnock. Lambert does not appear to have the legs to play as a lone striker within a 4-3-3 formation and would favour a partner up top.

Lambert and Zohore together could be interesting, but after back to back wins, it looks unlikely that Warnock will see any need to alter the shape of a winning side. There are other options too. I think Lambert and Anthony Pilkington in tandem could be rather effective, or Warnock could throw Rhys Healey in to the mix, but any experimentation will probably have to wait.

That leaves Lambert kicking his heels and watching on from the sidelines, which is the same situation that he was so desperate to escape at West Brom. Lambert turns 35 next month and it is unlikely that he will be content with a few minutes here and there, waiting for opportunities arising from injuries and suspensions. At this stage of his career, he needs games to reach and maintain his fitness levels.

It’s an expensive conundrum for Warnock to solve and one he has inherited rather than created himself.

If Lambert is to avoid becoming yet another expensive Cardiff City flop, it is a situation that will require Warnock’s attention in the coming weeks. Lambert can be a potent weapon if Cardiff play to his strengths, but at the moment, they’re doing just fine without him.